Fitting In // Author Interview

Hello all! Today, I have an author interview with Rebekah Morris to share with you in honour of the release of her new short story which is coming out TOMORROW!!!

To see my review and summary of Fitting In, click HERE.

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Buy on Amazon 

Okay, onto the interview!

I just love asking this question. What was the inspiration for Fitting In?

The inspiration came when I was struggling with "fitting in" at church. I wasn't as young as most of the young ladies were and wasn't interested in their talk. I wasn't newly married nor engaged so I didn't fit in that group, I wasn't a mom with young children or a mom with older ones. I just didn't fit in anywhere. I'll admit that one night I was pretty much lecturing everyone (in an empty room) about including those who were "outsiders" and suddenly I realized that I had to go write a story. :)

Oh, that's neat how you used a real-life experience and turned it into a book! Is there a favourite part (reading or writing) that you especially like in your new short story?

Writing the school house scene was probably the easiest as I already knew what I was writing there and the rant was easy, but I think I loved the Leffler's first "picnic" the best. I won't say more lest I spoil it. :)

Haha, yes, 'the rant'. When you've got the words, it all just flows from your pen, doesn't it? ;) Do you find that you relate to any of the characters or events in Fitting In?

As I mentioned before, the wanting to fit in and be a part of some group has been a struggle for me more than once. I have felt those emotions that Elizabeth felt as I tried to fit in, but felt rejected. (Even if they didn't mean to give me a cold shoulder.) I could identify with her even if the struggle was slightly different.

*Nods head* Same here! I've found myself in similar situations before, and it was really interesting reading what you thought through Elizabeth :) 

What’s the hardest part of writing a novel/short story? Finding ideas, editing, etc? 

Hmm, I think each story varies on the hardest part. Some stories just seem to struggle to get written even if I have an idea, others seem to fizzle out part way through and I have to baby them along for a little while. For other stories it's writing the synopsis, and others is getting started. I don't usually have much trouble with editing, as I do that as I go, but a few times that's been hard.

Last question! What is one piece of advice you would give to aspiring writers?

Write the story that God has given YOU, not what you think will sell or be popular, and write it the way He has created YOU to write, not how someone else says you should do it. I guess that was rather two pieces of advice, but those are what I've been wanting to tell new authors.

Thanks for inviting me over, Blessing!

Great piece of advice, Rebekah, thank you so much for sharing! And thank you for coming over to my blog as well. Really enjoyed having you! :D 

The Old River Road Blog Tour // Author Interview

Hey everyone!! Guess what, guess what, guess what??? Ivy Rose just recently released her novel, The Old River Road! *squeal of excitement* SO exciting!! :D 

Meet Ivy Rose and her debut novel, The Old River Road. This book is the first in a series of a yet-to-be-determined number of books based on the lives of the author’s ancestors. Written in a style similar to that of Janette Oke and Laura Ingalls Wilder, this is a story you won’t want to miss.

1885

When seventeen-year-old Clara Boutwell married her dashing coworker, William McDonald, she was convinced her life was near perfect. The journey before them as newlyweds in the great city of Chicago was promising and exciting. But a frightening disease soon takes William in its grip, forcing them to the clean air of the western frontier in a desperate attempt to save his life. But pioneering doesn’t prove to be easy, with miles between neighbors instead of fences. On the eastern Washington prairies, the McDonalds face hardships and trials in a new world where everything is tested, from physical endurance to emotional strength—down to their relationship and faith in the Lord.

This novel tells the incredible true story of Clara and William, the great-great grandparents of the author, in a sweet narrative full of laughter, tears, and the struggles of an early pioneering family. Prepare yourself to share in their experience as you read this account of a pioneer family in Washington state, and see their lasting legacy that has endured into the fifth generation.

Available now in paperback and ebook on Amazon

Add on Goodreads

~ Author Interview ~

Hi Ivy Rose! So, first question for you, what was the inspiration for The Old River Road?

The inspiration came from reading Clara’s memoirs when I was around 10 years old. I remember thinking, “Wow, this is so amazing! Someone should turn this into a book!” Knock-on-wood. :) 

Well, I'm very glad you decided to turn into a book! (TORR is wonderful, peoples, you've got to read it!) 
What is one piece of advice you'd give to fellow writers?
Don't get discouraged, and don't give up. Remember Who you are writing for. There will always be the cosmic kill-joy to say something unking about what you write, but there will be twice as many who are the best cheerleaders ever.

That's a lovely piece of advice! Thank you for sharing that insightful tid-bit :)Sooo, what is your favourite part of The Old River Road?
Hmmm...that's a tough question. I think one of my favourite scenes in the Valentine's Day dance. That one was super fun to write. 

Aww, that scene was so sweet! Probably one of my favourites too :) You said that scene was super fun to write, did you have a part of The Old River Road which was the hardest to write? 
(SPOILER!!) Probably when Clara and William go through losing a child. The emotions in those scenes...it actually made me cry. 

*sniffs* Oh yes, I remember that part. It made me cry as well :'( It was very sad, but beautifully written too :) Now for a fun (and slightly random) question for you: What is one fact about you that people either don't know about or would never guess? 
Hehe - this made me giggle. :) Something the people literally laugh out loud when I tell them is that I used to be a painfully shy person. Until I was around seven years old, I was a quiet, mousy, borderline-rude kind of shy. Now, I'm about as extroverted as it gets. Even though it's hard to tell through a screen, just about anyone who knows me knows that I can talk and talk and talk and talk and talk... :) 

Haha, well that is very interesting! It also reminds me of a certain sibling of mine . . . ;) 

Thank you for the chance of letting me be a part of your blog tour, Ivy Rose, and CONGRATULATIONS on the release of TORR!! :D 

~ About the Author ~

Ivy Rose is an 18 year old history lover and literary enthusiast. Aside from writing, she enjoys being outdoors, chocolate, travelling, reading, and ATVing (preferably if there is mud involved). She resides with her family of 9 on the banks of the Long Lake in eastern Washington.

You can connect with Ivy via her blog, Goodreads, and Pinterest. 

~  Giveaway ~

The Old River Road Prize Pack

International Prize 

 ~Blog Tour Schedule~

Friday, July 8^th (release day!)

Emily  — Review, Spotlight

Jesseca Wheaton — Review, Interview

Saturday, July 9^th

Olivia K. Fisher  — Interview, Spotlight

Faith Blum  — Review, Interview, Spotlight

Hannah E.  — Review, Interview

Monday, July 11^th

Faith Potts  – Review

Rebecca Morgan  — Review, Interview

Tuesday, July 12^th

Abigayle Ellison  — Review, Spotlight

Kenzi Knapp  – Review, Interview

Hosanna Emily  — Review, Interview

Wednesday, July 13^th

Blessing Counter  — Interview

Victoria Minks  — Review, Spotlight

Thursday, July 14^th

Deborah C.  — Review, Spotlight

Anna S. Brie  — Review

Leona G. — Review, Interview

Friday, July 15^th

Hope Ann — Review, Interview

Amanda Tero — Review, Interview

Anika Joy – Review, Interview